A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oaxaca de Juarez vs. Baltimore for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Oaxaca de Juarez

Oaxaca de Juarez is a authentic, traditional, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Oaxaca de Juarez and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Baltimore than Oaxaca de Juarez. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Baltimore is very popular for its big city activities, while Oaxaca de Juarez attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Oaxaca de Juarez is famous for its indigenous cultures, historic center, and excellent food scene. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium.

How is Oaxaca de Juarez different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Baltimore and Oaxaca de Juarez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Oaxaca de Juarez are among the most recognizable in the world. There are many museums and historical sights in the city and nearby. The Oaxaca Cathedral is located on the city's main square, Zocalo. Also worth visiting is the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán and the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude. Just a few kilometers outside of the city is the historic settlement of Monte Albán as well as the Ex-Monastery of Santiago Apóstol. Also check out the Rufino Tamayo Museum and Museo Casa Juárez.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.


Is the Food Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Oaxaca de Juarez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This is a city for foodies. Of all the destinations in Mexico, this one always tops the list for its cuisine. The food is influenced by traditional ingredients like corn and many of the recipes have been passed on through the generations. Local dishes include mole, Oaxaca cheese, coloradito, and tlayudas.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

The vibe at night is great in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Baltimore.

Many people head to Oaxaca de Juarez for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene starts late in the evening and can continue into the early hours. Many people meet up around Oaxaca Zocalo and it's very lively in the evenings. You'll often find live music and a fun atmosphere. As the night progresses, many people make their way to Santo Domingo, which is where you'll find a number of bars and clubs.

Baltimore has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore Better for its Old Town?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baltimore does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Oaxaca de Juarez is revered around the world. The historic center is filled with colonial Spanish architecture. It's laid out in a grid pattern and there are many historic monuments. The surrounding region also has a history that dates back 1500 years.

Baltimore does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Oaxaca de Juarez make it a world-class shopping destination. The region's indigenous populations are known for the artisan crafts and handmade items. Many visitors enjoy shopping at the city's markets, where you'll find handmade ceramics, hand blown glassware, and more.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore Better for Families?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Baltimore is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly destination. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Oaxaca de Juarez is a family-friendly place to visit. For trampolines, bouncy houses, and other fun activities, head to El Llano Park on a weekend. There's also an outdoor playground and other fun activities for kids at Museu Infantil de Oaxaca. Kid-friendly restaurants are abundant, and if the kids enjoy hiking, you can head out of town for a day trip.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Oaxaca de Juarez is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Oaxaca de Juarez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is famous for its cuisine, so food lovers will enjoy dining their way through town. There are also great hotels, beautiful gardens, and fascinating architecture.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.


Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Oaxaca de Juarez is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Oaxaca de Juarez. There are many very affordable hostels around town. The city is a mecca for backpackers in Mexico, and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with and great restaurants to explore.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Baltimore is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oaxaca de Juarez is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Oaxaca de Juarez has a few public transit options. The city has colectivos, which are shared taxis. There are also buses and tuk tuks that you can use to get around.

Is Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Oaxaca de Juarez
Baltimore

Oaxaca de Juarez and Baltimore are great when it comes to walkability.

Oaxaca de Juarez is very walkable. It's a walkable city that's fun to explore on foot, particularly in the historic center.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.


For even more information, also check out Is Oaxaca de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Oaxaca de Juarez?

How long in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oaxaca de Juarez and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than in Baltimore. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Oaxaca de Juarez, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

Families should spend more time in Baltimore than Oaxaca de Juarez. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Baltimore, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Baltimore. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Oaxaca de Juarez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Oaxaca de Juarez than Baltimore if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Oaxaca de Juarez.


  • How many days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oaxaca de Juarez 2-5 
    Baltimore 2-3

One day in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Baltimore. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Oaxaca de Juarez. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and museums around the colorful city of Baltimore. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural city of Oaxaca de Juarez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Baltimore is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


A week in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

Oaxaca de Juarez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Baltimore is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mexico City, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore or Oaxaca de Juarez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Oaxaca de Juarez is $46, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $184. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Oaxaca de Juarez and Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oaxaca de Juarez $20
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oaxaca de Juarez $40
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Oaxaca de Juarez


Hotels in Baltimore


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Oaxaca de Juarez Hotel Prices and Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Baltimore $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also for Oaxaca de Juarez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Oaxaca: Private Transfer to Huatulco: $408
  • From Oaxaca: Transfer to Puerto Escondido: $402
  • Oaxaca Hotels to Oaxaca Airport OAX Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Oaxaca International Airport - Private Transfer From/ to Oaxaca City: $56
  • Roundtrip Private/Shared Airport Transfer: $29
  • Oaxaca hotels to Oaxaca Xoxocotlan Airport (OAX) - Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Oaxaca: Private transfer from Oaxaca airport to hotel: $52
  • Oaxaca: Santiago Apoala Waterfall Day Trip with Transfers: $344
  • Private transfer from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido - new highway: $270
  • Round private transfer Airport to hotel in Oaxaca: $59
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Oaxaca Airport to Hotels: $46
  • Transfer Airport Hotel n Oaxaca: $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $200
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $111
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore and Oaxaca de Juarez change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $14
    Baltimore $46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Oaxaca de Juarez

For Oaxaca de Juarez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Food tour in Mercado de Abastos (Vegetarian an Vegan Friendly): $33
  • Oaxaca: Night Street Food Tour with Transfers and Tastings: $52
  • Oaxaca: Vegetarian Cooking Class: $70
  • Oaxacan Vegetarian Cooking Class: $71
  • Flavors of Oaxaca: Cooking Class with No Set Menu and Local Market Tour: $77
  • AUTHENTIC OAXACA FOOD TOUR, eat like a local.: $89
  • Traditional Oaxaqueña Cooking with Grandma's Recipes: $90
  • Cooking classes from the Isthmus with a Tehuana: $92
  • Nixtamal Cooking Class & Tour To The San Agustin Center of Arts: $99
  • Traditional Oaxacan Cooking Class (includes transportation): $100
  • Oaxaca: Day of the Dead Evening Walking Tour with Dinner: $108
  • The Real Traditional Oaxaca Cooking class: $114

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $67
  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oaxaca de Juarez $13
    Baltimore $18

Tours and Activities in Oaxaca de Juarez

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Oaxaca de Juarez.

  • MTB Bike Tour to the Tule Tree (Through the country-side): $6.00
  • Oaxaca Art Walk Tour: $15
  • Guided Tour to know the trades of Oaxaca: $18
  • Bicycle Tour through Oaxaca learning about its Urban Art and History: $19
  • Oaxaca: Oaxaca City Beyond the Surface Walking Tour: $23
  • Private Mexican Engraving Workshop Experience: $24
  • Monte Alban Walking Tour: $29
  • Half day tour Monte Alban: $32
  • Monte Alban Guided Half Day Tour: $32
  • Oaxaca: Monte Alban Guided Archaeological Tour: $33
  • Tour Monte Albán: $33
  • Oaxaca: Ocotlan de Morelos Cultural Experience and Tour: $34

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $105
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $28
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oaxaca de Juarez $15
    Baltimore $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Oaxaca de Juarez

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oaxaca de Juarez:

  • Hierve el Agua, Tule Tree, Mitla and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $45
  • Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery tour: $50
  • Only Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery Tour: $50
  • From Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery: $52
  • Tour to Hierve el Agua and Mezcal Distillery (Small groups): $66
  • Artisanal Mezcal distillery in an authentic Zapotec village : $150

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oaxaca de Juarez and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Oaxaca de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Oaxaca de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Oaxaca de Juarez and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Oaxaca de Juarez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Oaxaca de Juarez Expensive? and Is Baltimore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Oaxaca de Juarez or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Oaxaca de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Oaxaca de Juarez and Baltimore, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.